Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Hello from the Dik Dik Hotel! We have made it off the mountain. Today we awoke to clearing skies and warm temps. After another great breakfast we were honored to give our support staff their well-deserved tips. They have done an amazing job keeping us healthy and happy for the summit push. After that we headed down the trail. The group moved well over the trail. Yesterday's rain had left a slick surface but we didn't have any mishaps. Once we reached the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate the guys set out a lunch platter and then we made the drive back to the hotel. Everyone is showering up and cleaning gear right now. We're meeting up for dinner later and then its off to bed. Safari starts tomorrow. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Looks like your having fun there!!! Looking forward to seeing some pictures..

Posted by: Howard and Brenda on 9/6/2014 at 5:06 am

Congrats to Josh and all the climbers! Enjoy your well-deserved relaxation -

Posted by: Seahawk Doug on 8/25/2014 at 12:28 pm

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Teams Reach the Summit!

August 25, 2014

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Leon Davis

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb teams led by RMI Guides Elias de Andres Martos and Leon Davis reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning around 7 am. Elias reported clear skies and very light wind on the summit. The from Camp Muir to the summit was covered with 6 - 12 inches of new snow. The teams will enjoy some time on the summit before beginning their descent. We look forward to seeing everyone at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

Mt. Shuksan: Walter and Seminar Team Focus on Training

August 24, 2014

Posted by: Mike Walter, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades

Elevation: 6,200'

Our Expedition Skills Seminar - Shuksan team is enjoying nice weather here in the North Cascades. Our camp is tucked in at 6,200' amongst stunning alpine scenery on the flanks of the Sulphide Glacier. We have unobstructed views on Shuksan's summit pyramid to the north, and the northern Picket Range to the south. Baker Lake winds its way south through the valley bottom, far below us. We just returned back to camp after a morning out on the glacier practicing various climbing skills such as ice axe arrest and cramponing. This afternoon we'll work on some technical skills starting with knots and hitches. Everyone is doing well and enjoying the alpine air. Cheers, RMI Guide Mike Walter and Team

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Team Summits and Descends to Mweka Camp

August 24, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 19,340'

Summit Day is a wrap! We started our day with a midnight wakeup and a lite 'breakfast' of cakes and cookies. Everyone was ready quickly and we hit the trail at 12:45. The moonless night gave us great stargazing as we ascended the many twists and turns of the summit route and while there was no wind it was very chilly before sunrise. As we neared the crater rim a crescent moon, Venus and Mercury all came up just before the sun. That was a spectacular sight. Everyone went on to Uhuru Peak (19,340') where we had several waves of summit photos. The descent of the summit cone was as smooth as can be and everyone was back in camp before 10 AM. Now we have reached Mweka, our last camp on Kilimanjaro. The team did great coming down in what turned out to be tough conditions. Sunny skies gave way to thunder showers as soon as we left Barafu. This turned the trail slick with mud and wet stones but everyone just buckled down and dispatched with the task of getting down. We made good time and have just finished a great lunch in camp. Tomorrow we hit the trail for the final leg of our trip. We will drop down to the national park gate, check out, and head back to the Dik Dik Hotel for the night. Everyone is looking forward to starting the next phase of our adventure... safari! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

RMI Guide Seth Waterfall checks in from High Camp after the group returns from the summit of Kilimanjaro.

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Yay, Roger! You did it! What an amazing accomplishment! We are so thrilled for you and can’t wait to heard your mountain climbing stories. Hope the next part of your adventure is relaxing and unforgettable! Safe travels

Posted by: Susan on 8/25/2014 at 2:44 pm

What a spectacular adventure!!! Thanks you Seth and the entire team for helping us reach the summit in record time! Congratulations to the Team!!!

Posted by: Seth Casden on 8/25/2014 at 7:18 am

Mt. Rainier: Summit Climbs Teams on Top!

August 24, 2014

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Garrett Stevens led their Four Day Summit Climb teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reached the crater rim around 7 am and were able to spend some time on the summit taking photos and enjoying the views. Both teams began their descent from the crater rim and will return to Camp Muir for a short rest before continuing down the mountain. We look forward to seeing everyone back at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team.

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So thrilled for John and team- What an amazing experience!! Can’t wait to see pics and hear all about your adventures. Be safe- see you soon- Love you!!

Posted by: Amy on 8/24/2014 at 10:15 am

This is the news I’ve been waiting for-I can’t wait to see the photos! The view must’ve been magnificent!!
congratulations Jason-and team!!

Posted by: Anna Marie Brick on 8/24/2014 at 9:28 am

Kilimanjaro: Waterfall & Team Summit!

August 23, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 19,340'

Hey this is Seth checking in from the top of Kilimanjaro! We had a great day. Super nice weather, really sweet. No wind when we left camp, just a little breeze when we hit the crater rim. We were all walking into the crater rim when the sun came up and we have been enjoying the top for a little while now. We are going to head down. Go back to camp and spend a few hours packing up and then we'll be down to about 10,000 feet, back where trees grow out of the ground. All is well. We'll check in later today. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

RMI Guide Seth Waterfall calls from the Kilimanjaro summit!

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Congrats to you all! Such a terrific accomplishment.

Posted by: Tricia Blaney on 8/24/2014 at 9:05 am

Amazing pictures. Great accomplishment. Kudos to all. CB

Posted by: Cam on 8/24/2014 at 6:51 am

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Team Reaches High Camp

August 23, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 15,000'

Another fine day on Kilimanjaro's trails has led us to high camp. The name of this camp is Barafu which translates to 'ice'. So you can tell it is not always the warmest spot. True enough, we have been getting some ice pellets or graupel hitting the tents since we arrived. Hopefully we'll have the normal evening clearing and a nice climb tonight. The team members are all in our respective tents sorting gear and relaxing before we head out. Our crew just prepared a delicious lunch of hamburgers and macaroni salad. Perfect for the physical effort that awaits us. Our plan is to get up at midnight and get on the trail by 1 AM. It should take us somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 hours to reach the top. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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hello team, it is 10:44 in New York. Thinking about 6:30 where you all are. We are all so incredibly proud of all of you! summit or not. You all rock!! congrats on a great journey!!! xxoo lizzie , thomas, kit and mary :-)

Posted by: liz Blaney on 8/23/2014 at 7:49 pm

Be careful dad! Your 75 and you promised me if it was too much you would turn back. I would rather have you return home safely rather than lose you proving yourself on one of your adventures. Are we still on for running with the bulls in Spain next year?

Posted by: Roger Rathburn Jr. on 8/23/2014 at 7:07 pm

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Teams on Columbia Crest!

August 23, 2014

Posted by: Brent Okita, Mike King

Elevation: 14,410'

At 6:45 am the Four Day Summit Climb teams led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Mike King were approaching the summit of Mt. Rainier, Columbia Crest. Brent reported a beautiful day with a slight cloud ceiling above them. The teams will enjoy the views from the top and then descent to Camp Muir for a short break before continuing down to Paradise this afternoon. We look forward to seeing the teams at Rainier BaseCamp later today.

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Fred,
Happy trails ... Up and down. Enjoy the view. Psalm 91.

Posted by: Jon and Cathy on 8/24/2014 at 10:34 am

Good luck everyone, especially Fred and Warren, have a wonderful experience!!!!! We we will be on the lookout from below ;)

Posted by: The Newmans on 8/24/2014 at 7:56 am

Mt. Rainier: Teams on the Summit!

August 22, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Zeb Blais

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Billy Nugent along with the Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise led by Zeb Blais reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reported clear skies with cold temperatures on the summit. Both teams began their descent from the crater rim around 7:40 am. The teams will return to Camp Muir for a short break before continuing down to Paradise. The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons led by Solveig Waterfall checked in this morning from Glacier Basin. They will be descend from Glacier Basin back to the trail head and return to Rainier BaseCamp later today. We look forward to seeing all of the teams back in Ashford later this afternoon. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb Teams!

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Hey Granps (Roger Rathburn),
I hope all is going well on your trip. Looks like a fun time based off the website.
Stay safe and keep your head up :)

Posted by: Matheson Rathburn on 8/22/2014 at 3:58 pm

Way to go #1!!

Posted by: alan on 8/22/2014 at 11:51 am